Illiana proposal takes another step forward

U.S. backs proposed path of 2-state highway

The Federal Highway Administration has signed off on theproposedpath of the long-discussed superhighway connecting Illinois and Indiana through Will County.

The so-called Illiana Expressway would link Interstate 55 near Wilmington with I-65 near Cedar Lake, Ind.

The federal "record of decision" issued Friday ends the first phase of the project's planning process and begins another round of environmental and financial analysis of the route, which transportation officials have designated Corridor B3.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider called the decision a "significant milestone" in the project's development.

"We look forward to moving forward as expeditiously as we can," Schneider told the Tribune.

But Virginia Gates-Hamann, whose Peotone dairy farm is within the proposed path, called the decision bad news.

"They don't have any money to build this thing," Gates-Hamann said. "Illinois is way in debt. Instead of wasting money on (the Illiana), don't you think the state should be settling the pension mess?"

Despite the federal approval, the Illiana has no guarantee of being built because no state or federal funding is available. Officials hope to develop the highway as a public-private partnership.

Although known as the Illiana Expressway, the project likely would be a toll road. The latest estimated cost is $1.25 billion for the 47-mile project.

The Illinois and Indiana transportation departments have been planning the Illiana for years. The highway has the strong backing of Gov. Pat Quinn, who believes it would spur economic development and create jobs.

Transportation officials in October called Corridor B3 the best of three options, saying it provided the most travel benefits with minimal socioeconomic and environmental impact. This year, planners will refine the 2,000-foot-wide corridor into a 400-foot right-of-way for the actual Illiana path.

The Will County state's attorney's office will soon name an ombudsman to respond to concerns of property owners and others who would be affected, Schneider said.

Planners also are beginning a new series of meetings with local leaders, property owners and others, she said.

"The goal is to make sure there is personal contact with every landowner," Schneider said.